at the Atlanta University Robert W. Woodruff Library

5 VIDEO EDITING TECHNIQUES

1) Fine Tune Video Clips

Color correction capability is available in today’s video editing software. Brightness, contrast, and color balance can be tweaked using most software. Use it.

2) Speed Effects

Creating slow motion replays from sports footage or speeding up footage to compress time are just two possibilities using speed effects in video editing software. Reversing video clips is another possibility. Speed effects offer the option to increase or decrease the speed of a video clip simply by entering a percentage at which to perform the task.

3) Audio Sweetening

Capturing proper audio content is just as important as the video being shot. Remember there is only so much that can be fixed in post. It is best to be sure your audio is being properly recorded during filming. With that being said, video editing software provides audio mixing and sweetening options such as, normalize, equalizer, compression, noise reduction, reverb, de-ess, or de-pop. Understanding how each option works and affects sound will aid in navigating this process.

4) Pushes and Pulls

Instead of attempting to perform proper zooms while shooting, utilize your editing software‘s motion controls. The software will allow you to zoom in beyond 100% and alter speeds to capture the expression you desire.

5) Stabilization

The stabilization feature in most video editing software can be used to fix shaky shots. This is not a miracle cure. Remember the best way to avoid having to “fix” issues in post is to properly capture footage in the field. However, a stabilization filter, although not in every case, can smooth shaky clips.